“He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader” – Aristotle
There are clear distinctions between leaders and followers. Both are highly necessary for every organization, and the jobs they do are vital in achieving success. But with the differences in these roles comes contrasting perspectives. Thus, to be a great leader, one must widen their viewpoint and consider angles that come from the direction of their followers. Only then can decisions be made comfortably within consensus and attaining goals will be a team effort.
Although this might sound simple, it is definitely easier said than done. The responsibility of those decisions lies heavily on the leaders and not the followers. We will need to bear the consequences of our actions in the event it goes sideways. Therefore, it is up to us as leaders of our respective teams to find the balance. To inspire and engage our followers and lead them towards our desired objectives.
This week, I would like to share three pieces of articles that can help us discover deeper into what it means for a leader to understand and communicate themselves from the viewpoint of a follower.
First and foremost, many make the mistake of thinking that titles make leaders. That is further from the truth as it can get. Professionals can be great managers or heads of departments, and yet, they might fail as leaders. Hence, the journey of learning and discovering how to lead successfully never ends.
Research: To Be A Good Leader, Start By Being A Good Follower
This is an interesting article featuring a case study of how the Royal Marines determine which recruit is suitable to be great followers and which ones cut out to be leaders. Have a look at the analysis made, and the results might surprise you.
5 Reasons Why Good Leaders Must Be Great Followers
Amongst the five crucial factors included on why good leaders must be great followers, one stands out from the rest. Egotism (more on this in the bonus video below). Many leaders fear that when they give in too much, their role or position might get jeopardized, and they will then be seen as weak or unworthy. In turn, they build up fences and restrict the decision-making to themselves. Read on to find out more on how the removal of ego can help boost our team's progress for better successes.
Bonus
The Rarest Commodity is Leadership Without Ego | Bob Davids | TEDxESCP
This week, I would like to share an insightful talk with everyone. One that addresses and speaks to many of us leaders in the industries. As Bob Davids smoothly delivers in his speech, “Leadership is a gift. You can’t buy it, you can’t sell it, you can’t trade it. You either have it, or you don’t. Leadership is the most valuable commodity on the planet. And the rarest commodity we have. A Leadership without ego.”
In this video, an example is given whereby, when a leader rolls up his or her sleeves to jump in, working hand in hand with those who follow them, it creates a domino effect of positive experience and results. Something all of us can take away from and apply in our organizations.
With that, I would like to wish everyone a great weekend ahead!
About Timeo-Performance
We were founded with a vision to improve the world of work for everyone
We are in the Skills Business!
Through recruitment, training and consulting, Timeo-Performance provides solutions for increased performance of companies, teams, and individuals. As our clients are in the center of global business and often serve the APAC region, our solutions need to be sustainable in a multicultural and remote context.
Our joint venture with Akteos, the European leader in intercultural training, and partnership with digital learning solutions provider CrossKnowledge have therefore been organic and logical additions to our service. Timeo-Performance has been helping companies in APAC increase business performance since 2008 with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
We love what we do, feel the Timeo-Performance experience!
